back to school organizing 101 september 9 th, 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Back to School Organizing 101 September 9th, 2015
Housekeeping
Please follow these instructions to participate:
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• Introduction of topic and presenters
• Sustainable Leadership Best Practices
• Case Study: Villanova University
• Top Resources
• Fair Trade Month 2015
• How to Register Events Online
• Q&A
Agenda for this Training
Kylie NealisNational Organizer, Fair TradeColleges & Universities (FTCU)
Courtney LangNational Organizer, Fair Trade Towns
Emily WilsonFair Trade Colleges & Universities 2014-15 Fellow
Today’s Presenters
Sustainable Leadership Best Practice #1 – Power Mapping
Power Mapping is a process of identifying who your allies on campus are and who the key decision-makers on your campus are.
Important things to consider:
• Start with who you know. Consider which people and networks you already know. Look at existing relationships that your fellows students and lead faculty member have.
• Create a list or draw a map to see where there’s connections to your campaign’s goals.
• Begin outreach to the people and networks that you already know, gauge their interest.
• Look ‘outside the box’, connect your Fair Trade efforts on campus to other sustainability and social justice efforts on campus.
Sustainable Leadership Best Practice #2 – Engagement & Recruitment
Engaging and recruiting campaign leaders is essential to the long-term effectiveness of the campaign.
Important things to consider:
• Articulate the WIFM [what’s in it for me] – team members should connect with the mission of Fair Trade but also see how they can personally benefit. For example: valuable community organizing experience, resume building, networking, potential benefits to their academic studies, study abroad or immersion opportunities, etc.
• Networking – it’s important to network, attend various events on campus and engage your fellow students in conversations about Fair Trade and your campaign. The key to engaging and recruiting new leaders is getting them passionate about Fair Trade!
Sustainable Leadership Best Practice #3 – Anticipating & Dealing with Turnover
Turnover, or the task of replacing yourself, is something that every campaign faces. Luckily, by utilizing some of these tips, you can anticipate and plan for it without your campaign missing a beat!
Important things to consider:
- Clear communication: make sure that the people involved in your campaign clearly articulate their plans for the future and their commitment to leading the campaign.
- Advance notice: organizers leave campaigns for many reasons (graduation, study
abroad, etc.) Give your campaign at least three months notice beforehand and establish this as an expectation.
- Mentoring: mentor and recruit underclassmen early on to replace campaign leaders.
Case Study: Villanova University
Top Campaign Resources
Fair Trade Campaigns has a long list of resources to help your campus become a declared Fair Trade College University or School.
Here are a few of the top resources that we recommend:
1) Student Action Guide: http://fairtradecampaigns.org/resource/student-action-guide/
2) Fair Trade Products 101:http://fairtradecampaigns.org/resource/fair-trade-product-list/
3) Fair Trade & Environmental Sustainability:http://fairtradecampaigns.org/resource/fair-trade-and-environmental-sustainability/
WEEKLY THEMES
Week 1 - Fair Trade in Action! Week 2 – Why Choose Fair?Week 3 – Fair Trade Cuties
Week 4– Best Overall Photo
PRIZESFirst 3 weeks: 3 gift baskets full of
Fair Trade goodies! From Ben & Jerry’s gift cards to PACT clothing to Guayaki Tea and
more!
Grand prize: Travel to Mexico to meet Fair Trade producers!
http://fairtradecampaigns.org/events/fair-trade-photofest-2015/
How to Register Events OnlineEach time you plan an event, you should register it on the FT Campaigns website. Here’s how in three easy steps:
1) Go to www.fairtradecampaigns.org, log-in and click ‘Your Campaign’2) Next to ‘Commit to Fair Trade Education’, click on ‘add’3) Add your event!
Want more Information?
Kylie Nealis – National Organizer, FTCU [email protected]
Courtney Lang – National Organizer, Fair Trade [email protected]
Emily Wilson – 2014-15 FTCU [email protected]
http://fairtradecampaigns.org/organize/#universities
Questions?
“Fair Trade is very important for us. It has helped our community and family, and we have better infrastructure. It has validated growers and our
products. Our way of life has changed for the best.”
– Ramon Figueroa, CONACADO, Dominican Republic